In My Time

Summary: Thank you Marauder by Midnight for the banner Isabella Marie Swan and Edward Anthony Mason were just sixteen and seventeen before they met, their destinies never seeming to cross paths. Living in the very outskirts of Chicago, Bella doesn’t want to be married as quickly as society wants. Edward wants to help assist President Wilson by fighting in the World War. Plans seemed to all change when, unexpectedly, with one little spark, a fire seemed to ignite the both of them. Through troubles beyond comprehension, the times of properness and society, influenza on the rise, and abhorrent losses- perhaps even their own deaths, the two of them must concur them all. But can they? A love story to the fullest-but of course, even the best love stories have tragedy and losses nestled inside. (2nd most favorite on the site! Thanks guys! Also-In My Time was on display in Waterstones Bookstore, located in Oxford,United Kingdom for a twilight event)

Notes:
- alright, I have a VERY good feeling about this story, and I am hoping you will too. Disclaimer- I own nothing, I just write fan fic, and I love doing it :)

6. There is a First for Everything

“Did you hear? That Mason boy is pursuing Ms. Swan?” I heard as I walked past the ribbon store. It was rather old news for gossipers, perhaps this town had actually ran out of good news…I laughed once at the thought; it was utterly preposterous. This town was always buzzing with nonsense gossip.

I waited outside, out of the gossiper’s sight, to hear more about what this town was saying about me. I would have gone in if it were not for them.

“Isabella Swan?” the women sounded a little astonished. I narrowed my eyes as I continued to listen.

“Indeed, I suppose she would make for a lovely companion, although that man will have his hands full. That girl is always running into things, or falling.” The women laughed.

I raised my eyebrows, but kept out of sight. “But is she showing the same compassion like the Mason boy has? After all, she needs to help him on a little bit.” The other women pointed out.

“Yes, indeed that is true.” The women agreed. I let out a frustrated sigh, changing paths. I walked quickly, out of downtown, and towards Edward’s house. What in the world was I doing? I wasn’t exactly thinking right. It was like my legs were taking me somewhere and I was powerless to stop them.

I walked right up the front steps of the Mason’s home. I tripped once, but that was to be expected. With a shaking hand I lightly tapped on the front door with my knuckles.

I stepped back, and within seconds, Mrs. Mason answered the door.

She smiled happily, “Why Miss Swan, what brings you here?” she exclaimed, motioning me to come inside. I smiled slightly as I entered the beautiful home. I heard somebody playing the piano somewhere in the house, the lovely melody wrapping around the walls and caressing us as we walked through the foyer.

“Oh, I hope I am not interrupting anything, but I was actually hoping to talk with Edward.” I said to her.

“Of course you're not, Miss Swan. Please, right this way.” She gestured for me to follow her into what looked to be a sitting room.

“Please sit down, Bella. I’ll be right back with Edward, if I can pry him away from that piano.” She laughed to herself as she disappeared from the room.

I bit my lip, What was I doing here? I asked myself again. This was categorically delirious. What was I thinking?

But before I could even answer my own thoughts the piano playing ceased and I heard footsteps walking towards me.

I looked down at my trembling hands, folded in my lap. I was still thinking about what Edward had said to me a few days ago.

I quickly stood up as Edward came into the room, a smile on his face. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Bella, how are you?” he asked me, as we both sat down across from each other.

“Oh, I am fine, Edward. And you?” I asked.

“I am just delighted to see you.” He chuckled, my eyes automatically lit up at his laugh.

“I didn’t know you played the piano.” I said to him.

“I find it rather enjoyable. Bella, do you play?” he asked me. I laughed out loud.

“Judging by the fact that I can hardly walk across a flat surface, I shudder at the thought of even attempting to play the piano.” I laughed again, as he chuckled.

“But of course that can’t be the reason you came, Bella?” he asked me.

“No, no that wasn’t the reason. I have to ask you a question, actually. It will be rather straight forward.” I said, looking down to the floor.

“Alright Bella, go ahead.” He nodded.

I looked back up at him, “Why me?” I whispered. “Why did you say you loved me? I just can’t see what is so great about me. There are plenty of other women out there that would be more suitable for you than, well, me.” I admitted.

His smile receded a few inches, but his eyes were still very soft. “There are so many great things about you; I am surprised you don’t see them yourself. Take for instance…your smile. When you smile or laugh, it makes everyone want to do the same. Your eyes…There are no words to describe how beautiful they are, for even if someone tried, it would be an understatement. You are so stunning it is hard to look away, Bella. Your personality is absolutely ravishing; you are truly perfect in every way. You have captivated me, and I fear that someone like you would never fall in love with me. But I wanted to tell you, that I am yours-you may do what you will to me. But I am yours, and I love you, Bella.” He admitted his voice dropping down to a whisper.

“That was quite an explanation.” I whispered. “I’m...speechless…” suddenly the room around me started to spin, and slowly blackness fell over me.

“Yes, thank you Mother.” Edward whispered to Mrs. Mason as I heard footsteps go back to the house. I felt a hand move a loose strand of hair on my face, as my eyes finally opened.

I was laying next to Edward on what seemed to be the front porch, on the outdoor couch that sat there.

I got up slowly, as Edward helped me sit up, “What happened? How did I get here?” I asked him.

“You fainted Bella; I thought you could use some fresh air. You know, I never really thought that telling you that I love you again would make you faint. I am truly sorry.” He smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. His eyes insted were full of worry.

“No, it wasn’t your fault, it was entirely mine. What was I saying before?” I asked him.

“That you were speechless.” He reminded me.

“I believe that is alright.” I said.

“And why is that?” he asked me.

“Because I do not need to talk for this.” I whispered.

“What are you going to do Bella?” he asked me, moving closer to me.

“Something so delusional and wonderful that I think it will leave you speechless as well.” I whispered, our noses were now touching. My heart was pounding, and I was surprised he couldn’t hear it too.

“Oh?” he asked raising his eyebrows; I nodded as he leaned in and kissed me. His lips were soft and warm upon mine, and then we both pulled back.

“Yes that leaves me rather speechless.” He agreed, his eyes bright with excitement.

I just stared in his eyes as he did the same, not understanding how this happened.

Edward’s Point of View….

“Edward, dear, did Bella just leave?” My mother asked me as I was walking back into the house.

“Yes, Mother,” I nodded, “and she is perfectly fine.” I added. She looked worried about Bella, it was in her eyes.

She smiled, “How do you always know what we are thinking about?” she chuckled, turning back to the kitchen, gesturing me to follow.

“It’s not that I know for sure what you are thinking, just a rough outline. People are easy to read…well, most of them.” I explained, stopping when she turned around. Bella on the other hand was harder to read then anyone I had ever known.

“It’s good that Bella is fine and well….that poor girl.” She chuckled once, turning to look to her right.

“And who is this ‘poor girl’?” my Father asked, coming down the stairs, jumping into our conversation. He was in a good mood.

“Edward accidentally made her faint earlier today.” My mother said as she went over to him, chuckling.

“Now how in the world did he manage that?” he asked, a smile on his face, as we all sat down in the sitting room.

“I actually don’t know. I promised Edward I wouldn’t eavesdrop.” She turned to look at me, “Dear, how did she faint?” she asked me.

“I had told her earlier this week that I…loved her. Today she asked why I felt that way, and I told her. The next thing I see is her limp body going towards the ground...of course I had caught her by then.” I could never hide anything from my mother. We were too close, and I somehow inherited the ‘gift’ as she called it, to ‘read’ people. She knew when there was something I was hiding, and so I just had skipped the interrogations for another time.

“Hey Ed! Collin said you kissed Bella Swan. Is it true, or is he bluffing?” I heard footsteps walk towards us from the door; it was no doubt Collin and Leo. The boys were 17, and lived just down the road. We were used to them stopping by all the time; they were good friends of mine.

I winced, “Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Mason.” Leo said quickly, coming into view. My parents were shocked by what Leo had just said, about me kissing Bella.

“Is this a bad time, Ed?” Collin guessed.

I gave them both a look.

“Apparently it is. We will come by later then.” Collin said.

“I’ll be waiting for the answer, Ed!” Leo reminded me from the doorway, and then they left out the door from which they came. My nostrils flared in frustration with Collin and Leo. I wasn’t going to tell my parents about what had happened between Bella and I a few minutes ago. I knew exactly what my father would do.

“Is this true, Edward? What Collin and Leo just said?” My mother asked me, excitement plain on her features.

“Yes, Mother.” I nodded, looking reluctantly back at them. I was preparing myself for the talk my father was going to have with me later.

“Aren’t you planning on proposing any time soon, Edward?” my father asked. It was normal that even before first kiss the man would propose once confessing his feelings. But Bella was different, she needed more time. And if more time is what she needs, I will give her more time.

“Oh, Edward. Stop it!” Mother said to Father, and then she turned to look at me. “I’m so happy for you, my dear.” She said. There was truth and sincerity in every word. Then she conspicuously went back to the kitchen, right after shooting a warning glance in my father’s direction.

“Edward, you know you can’t wait for this girl forever.” He started. I knew somehow this talk was coming, and I fought to not roll my eyes in disrespect to my father.

“I know.” I nodded. But really, if I had to wait forever for her, I would. Somehow my father knew that.

“Edward, son, you need to do something.”

“Something like…?” I asked.

“Taking action!” my father exclaimed.

I let out a sigh.

“I know this girl means a lot to you, and I am happy for that, and I know that you love her. But she needs to help you on, for all you know you may be the only one that loves her.” he exclaimed.

“She has been, I can tell Father. She wants me as much as I want her; it’s in her eyes. She is just scared…I don’t know what about exactly though.” I admitted.

“Edward, if she does love you, then propose to her.” he just came out and said it. I ran my hand through my hair, sighing.

“Do it tomorrow night, its Independence Day. There will be fireworks in the sky, too. Propose then.” My father suggested.

“But I am not exactly prepared-”

“You have a day to prepare, Edward. It’s time to be a man.” My father clapped his hand on my shoulder firmly, and then walked into the kitchen to see my mother.